What does it mean when atypical squamous cells are found during a pap smear?

If you are reading this guide, you’ve probably already had a Pap test and may have been told by your health care provider (HCP) that your Pap test results were abnormal. Maybe you’re worried and wondering what this means and how it will affect you. However, knowing the possible reasons for abnormal results will help.

A Pap test, also called a “Pap smear,” is part of a pelvic exam. The word “Pap” is short for Papanicolaou, which is the last name of the doctor who studied changes in cervical cells. A Pap test is usually done at age 21 unless you have special risks such as immune problems or HIV. It’s the only way to check the cells on your cervix for changes that can lead to cancer. Your HCP usually checks for STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea at the same time.

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